Definition

Glucose is a type of sugar. It comes from food, and is also created in the liver. Glucose travels through the body in the blood. It moves from the blood to cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. Once glucose is in those cells, it can be used for energy.

Diabetes is a condition that makes it difficult for the body to use glucose. This causes a buildup of glucose in the blood. It also means the body is not getting enough energy. Type 2 diabetes is one type of diabetes, and it is the most common.

Medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring can help control blood glucose levels.

Causes

Type 2 diabetes is often caused by a combination of factors. One factor is that your body begins to make less insulin. A second factor is that your body becomes resistant to insulin. This means there is insulin in your body, but your body cannot use it effectively. Insulin resistance is often related to excess body fat.

Risk Factors

Type 2 diabetes is more common in people who are aged 45 years and older. It is also common in younger people who are obese and belong to at-risk ethnic groups. Other factors that increase your chance for type 2 diabetes include:

Insulin

Blood Glucose Testing

You can check the level of glucose in your blood with a blood glucose meter. Checking your blood glucose levels
during the day can help you stay on track. It will also help your doctor determine if your treatment is working. Keeping track of blood sugar levels is especially important if you take insulin.

Regular testing may not be needed if your diabetes is under control and you don't take insulin. Talk with your doctor before stopping blood sugar monitoring.

An
HbA1c test
may also be done at your doctor's office. This is a measure of blood glucose control over a long period of time. Doctors advise that most people keep their HbA1c levels below 7%. Your exact goal may be different. Keeping HbA1c in your goal range can help lower the chance of complications.

Counseling

Depression can undermine your recovery and put you at risk for other complications. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in your favorite activities that stay with you for at least 2 weeks should prompt you to call your doctor. Depression is treatable. Your doctor may refer you to counseling to help you better manage your diabetes.

Decreasing Risk of Complications

Over a long period of time, high blood glucose levels can damage vital organs. The kidneys, eyes, and nerves are most affected. Diabetes can also increase your risk of heart disease.

Maintaining goal blood glucose levels is the first step to lowering your risk of these complications. Other steps include:

Take good care of your feet. Be on the lookout for any sores or irritated areas. Keep your feet dry and clean.

Have your eyes checked once a year.

Don't smoke. If you do, look for programs or products that can help you quit.

Keep track of your moods and be alert for persistent depressive symptoms.

Plan medical visits as recommended.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of type 2 diabetes:

Participate in regular physical activity

Maintain a healthy weight

Drink alcohol in moderation (2 drinks per day for a man, and 1 drink per day for a woman)

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References:

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology. Medical guidelines for the management of diabetes mellitus. The AACe system of intensive diabetes self-management. 2002 update.
Endocrine Practice.
2002;8(suppl 1):S40-82.

Skyler JS, Bergenstal R, Bonow RO, et al. Intensive glycemic control and the prevention of cardiovascular events: Implications of the ACCORD, ADVANCE and VA diabetes trials: a position statement of the American Diabetes association and a scientific statement of the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the American Heart Association.
Circulation.
2009;119:351-7.

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